MLB puts an end to David Ortiz modification in 'Fallout 4'
Major League Baseball has put an end to a modification in the video game "Fallout 4," which allowed you to play as David Ortiz.
Earlier this week, the long awaited video game Fallout 4 was released on various platforms. In a nutshell, Fallout 4 drops you into a post-apocalyptic Boston and makes you fight for your survival.
Since Fallout 4 takes place in Boston, there are all sorts of recognizable landmarks in the game, including the Boston Public Library, Boston Common, Hatch Memorial Shell, and yes, Fenway Park.
Since Fenway Park is in the game, a gamer named Richie Branson create a modification allowing players to dress their character as David Ortiz. The download is free and designed to add a more "authentic" feel to the game. Here's some video of modded Big Papi going wild on some Fallout 4 mutants:
“Basically, I think it was the only thing missing from the game. You’ve got Fenway Park, the Green Monster, and all of Boston, but there weren’t any Red Sox jerseys,” said Branson to Steve Annear of the Boston Globe.
Although the modification is free and not intended to generate revenue, MLB has stepped in to protect their copyright, reports Annear. “The use of these marks is an infringement of our rights. We plan to enforce those rights,” said a league spokesperson.
Modifications, or "mods," are user-created features or alterations. They're sometimes encouraged by the gamemakers themselves.
“This is something that has been going on for years and years. People are non-commercially modifying games all the time,” said Branson, who was planning to create other Red Sox players.
It's unclear what steps MLB will take to put an end to the modification. Usually there is some dialogue between parties before cease-and-desist orders arrive.
“I’m not making any money off of it. I’m the little guy. It would be in bad taste for them,” Branson said. “We know Ortiz is not a zombie-killing, post-apocalyptic warrior. And that’s what makes it funny.”
Funny or not, MLB is protecting their copyrights.
